A small spot for me to publish random thoughts that might help other writers find that tiny voice echoing feebly inside their heads.

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

I Love Dialogue! Portrait of Love excerpt 2

Gemma
meets Kendrick by chance, and he asks her out. Desperately wanting to
paint her portrait, he invites her to his studio. He isn't as
interested in dating her so much as capturing her essence on the
canvas. When Gemma meets his roommate, Vik, there is an instant
attraction. Unfortunately, they aren't able to deny their attraction
and Kendrick finds them kissing in Vik's studio. He goes somewhat
crazy and beats up Vik. This scene takes place in the hospital when
Vik is being released.

“You
can go ahead and call your driver at any time,” Dr. Hennasy said
with a smile. “I'll get the paperwork rolling.”

“Thank
you so much,” Gemma said.

“We're
going to miss you,” Dr. Hennasy said. “Not because we like you or
anything, Vik. We're going to miss Minerva's treats.”

Giggling,
she scuttled out as he hurled one of his pillows at her. Laughing, he
lay down once more.

“Ow,
that hurt. I should know better than to throw pillows at my doctor.”

“But
isn't that what they're for? The doctors, and the pillows,”
Gemma said as she picked it up.

Vik
chuckled. “They are indeed. I say that a day hasn't really started
well unless one is able to hurl at least one pillow at an
unsuspecting medical professional.”

“Doctors
aren't as much fun to bean as nurses,” Gemma said, putting the
pillow at the end of the bed. “But nurses are generally quicker.”

Holding
his ribs, Vik laughed softly. “Oh, fuck that hurts!”

“I
guess laughter isn't the best medicine for a man with cracked ribs,
hm? We'll make sure that the level of jocularity is kept at a
minimum.”

“Jocularity,”
Vik chuckled. “Yeah, that'll happen.”

James
arrived about forty minutes later, trailing water from his great
coat. “I had to park in east hell,” he complained. “The old man
with the cart wouldn't give me a ride. He said I was fully fit and
able to walk.”

“Bastard,”
Vik said. “What do they pay the old arse for if not to pick people
up?”

“I
think he was beating it,” James said, with a none to subtle hand
gesture. “Can't be sure as the drapes were drawn.”

“Ew!”
Gemma said.

“Sorry,
Miss. You'll have to forgive us menfolk. We can't be trusted in
public.”

“Or
private,” Vik added.

“Nor
there,” James agreed. “Are we about out of here?”

“Just
need to sign the papers,” Vik said.

“I'll
tromp back down to get the car, then,” James said with a sign. “I
tried calling, but you didn't answer. That's the only reason I
shlepped up here.”

Gemma
looked at her phone only to realize it was completely dead. “I
forgot to charge it last night. I'm so sorry, James.”

“Not
a problem, Miss. I'll be back,” he said in a good imitation of
Arnold.

“I
need to get dressed,” Vik said. “I can't do this myself.”

“I
can help,” Gemma said.

Vik's
head popped up, his lips clamped shut. “Uh, no. I have no boxers
on. Not inviting you to that party at this stage of the game.”

Gemma
giggled as he blushed. “I'll get someone.”

“Preferably
a male someone,” Vik called after her.

A
few minutes later, Gemma came back with an orderly. He gladly helped
Vik get dressed while Gemma waited in the hallway. He opened the
door, propping it open when he left. Vik sat on the bed fully
clothed. He patted the bed next to him.

“I
can't wait to get home and shower. Sponge bathes are okay, but they
aren't that much fun.”

“Oh,
I think I could give you a great sponge bath,” Gemma teased.

“You
can't say things like that if I'm going to be celibate the next few
weeks,” Vik said. “I have some self-control, but an invitation
like that gets my imagination pumping. And I have a hell of a good
imagination,” he whispered, leaning toward her.